HARRISONBURG, Va.. (JMU Athletics) – James Madison women’s soccer couldn’t overcome two first half goals from Virginia enroute to a 3-0 loss to the seventh-ranked Cavaliers on a rainy Sunday night at Sentara Park.

Virginia remained undefeated at 5-0 while the Dukes moved to 1-2-2. Goal scorers for the Cavs were Maggie Cagle, Ella Carter and Kiki Maki. JMU was led by senior Sophia Verrecchia with two shots and freshman Tali Rovner with one shot.

Redshirt freshman Sofia DeCerb made her fifth start in goal, playing all 90 minutes while setting a new career-high for saves with eight.

Quoting Head Coach Joshua Walters Sr:
“I’m proud of the effort today and this game will help us down the road. We will analyze and grow from this one. Can’t wait to get back on the field with this team.”

How It Happened
• JMU staved off three good looks from Virginia in the first twenty minutes of play while the Cavs held the advantage on possession to open the game.
• Verrecchia tested the UVA goalie in the 19th minute with a shot that missed just high of the frame.
• A miscue against the Virginia press allowed the Cavs’ first goal in the 22nd minute from Cagle.
• In the 41st minute, a deflection of the ball off Carter from a corner kick gave Virginia a 2-0 lead heading into the break.
• JMU began the second half more balanced, holding possession for longer and allowing fewer shots in the period.
• Verrecchia took her second shot of the match that was also just over the top of the frame in the 71st minute.
• Virginia scored its third goal in the 83rd minute off another corner kick that Maki headed into the net.

Up Next
JMU will travel to Morgantown, W.Va. on Thursday, Sep. 5 for an evening matchup with West Virginia. Kickoff is slated for 7:00 p.m.

— JMU Athletics —